Chapter 2: The Journey Begins

Sending off the well-wishes of the people, we left the capital. As we entered the forest, we immediately encountered a pack of goblins—child-sized demi-human monsters.

"Hero, this is a good opportunity. Please lead us."

"Ah, right. Um..."

"What are you getting all stiff for? You defeated the Demon Lord, didn't you? Don't tell me you’re scared of these weaklings."

Cecilia smiled gently at my nervousness while Iris taunted me. They might be weak compared to the Demon Lord, but when I fought him, I didn't really feel like I was fighting. This was practically my first real battle.

Fiona smiled gently at my anxious face.

"It will be fine, Hero-sama. We will support you."

"Thank you... Cecilia, you and I will take the front to keep the enemies at bay. Fiona, please support us with buffing magic and heal us immediately if we get hurt. Iris, look for an opening and use your magic to take them down."

"Leave it to me, Hero-sama."

"Hmph! My magic will finish them in an instant!!"

With the swords of Cecilia and me, we overwhelmed them. Fiona provided buffs and support, and for those who tried to escape, Iris’s pitch-black lightning pierced them.

"Hehe. Our first victory. Hero, in a situation like that, it’s better not to charge in too far. We are behind you; you can trust us more. Also, about the way you swing your sword..."

Cecilia, who was an experienced knight, kindly taught me how to fight. This was something my skills couldn't teach me, so it was really helpful.

"You gave better instructions than I expected. Keep it up, Hero."

Iris praised me, even while being prickly.

"I’m just glad no one was hurt. Hero-sama, if you feel even a little bit of pain, please don't hesitate to tell me."

And Fiona smiled like an angel.

"Thanks, everyone... I was a bit worried, but I think I can handle this. By the way, like I said before, could you call me by my name instead of 'Hero-sama'? I feel like we’d be more like companions that way."

"With all due respect, Hero-sama... for us, calling the great Hero from another world by his name would be far too presumptuous."

"Indeed... 'Hero' feels more natural to me as well."

"And it’s kind of hard to say... the pronunciation is a bit special..."

So, my request was rejected. I’d kind of looked forward to being called by my name by beautiful girls.

After that, the journey was smooth. We encountered monsters several times, but with my cheat skills, it was like taking candy from a baby. Cecilia’s swordsmanship, Fiona’s support magic, and Iris’s offensive magic were all top-tier. There were many times when they handled the monsters or bandits before I even had to step in. Once I gained more experience, we’d be able to fight even more efficiently.

If this were a game, it’d be like using a cheat to get the strongest gear and just wrecking all the early-game mobs.

As we traveled with my reliable companions, my tension eased, and we finally approached a city.

"Finally, a city! It’s been a while!"

"Hehe. This was the Hero’s first trip of this kind. Let’s buy various things in this city before we continue. There should be better weapons here than in the Royal Capital."

Before us lay a large city surrounded by stone walls. The lively bustle of the city carried on the wind.

As I was getting excited at the first fantasy city I’d ever seen, Iris shrugged as if she were fed up.

"The castle was much grander than this place, and yet you’re frolicking like a child."

"I can't help it! The castle and its town were amazing, but a normal city is exciting too. I’ve never seen all these stalls selling things before!!"

"Everything must look new and interesting to the Hero, who came from another world. But please remember that the journey is just beginning. Information gathering and preparation are essential to reach the Demon Lord’s Castle. Don't look so worried; we will support you, so rest easy."

"Hehe. You’re quite cute, Hero-sama. There’s a lot of delicious food in the city, too. Since we’re here, why don't we relax a little?"

Cecilia and Fiona looked at me with smiles as if they were watching a child.

It was a bit embarrassing, but please forgive me—I’d come to a world that was just like a game.

As we passed through the gate, the cobblestone streets were crowded with stalls and bustling with people.

The smell of grilled meat with spices I’d never smelled in my previous life and the scent of sweet treats mixed together, making me realize once again that I was in another world.

"Whoa, it’s really lively here."

"This place is still far from the Demon Lord’s territory, so it’s peaceful. And the market here is more famous than the one at the castle."

As I looked around with sparkling eyes, Iris answered while munching on a meat skewer. People walking around in armor, buildings made of brick—everything was so different from the cities in Japan, and it pumped me up.

"Hero-sama, it looks like there’s someone in trouble over there. Would it be alright if I went to talk to them?"

Fiona pointed to an old woman spreading out her luggage by the side of the road with a troubled expression. Next to her sat a child who looked pale, perhaps from illness.

"Ah, of course. You’re so kind, Fiona."

Fiona smiled happily at my words and ran over to the old woman.

"Well, it’s only natural to help those in need, right?"

Cecilia stood with her arms crossed, speaking with dignity. Her words were filled with the pride of a knight.

I felt a mix of admiration and a bit of an inferiority complex toward the two who could act and speak so naturally, but then Iris spoke bluntly.

"Hmph. You’re working hard for this world, even though you don't even know it. You’re impressive enough yourself."

"...Um, thanks."

Her initial hostility was gone, and her kind words warmed my heart. I did have a bit of an ulterior motive, but I felt once again that I wanted to protect this world.

I turned my gaze toward Fiona. She was talking to the old woman and the child, and as she gently placed her hand on the child, the child’s complexion visibly improved. It must be the Saint’s healing magic. The old woman bowed her head repeatedly in gratitude. It was truly a picturesque scene. And once she’d treated one person, others gathered, and a line quickly formed.

"I can't treat everyone here. Could you please come to the church? I will continue the treatment there."

She smiled wryly and looked at us, signaling with her eyes for us to go on ahead.

"Fiona really is amazing. Is healing magic that difficult in this world?"

"Yes. Using a divine miracle causes mental fatigue. And normally, one would charge for it, but it seems the Saint convinced the church to let her use her healing abilities freely. Truly, she is the ideal Saint."

"But the Saint is a bit too perfect; it’s suspicious. Besides, I saw her glancing at the taverns several times on the way... oh, and she even glanced at a drunkard’s wine bottle."

"The Saint and alcohol... is there a connection?"

Now that she mentioned it, I thought I’d seen Fiona staring intently at a barrel of wine being sold at a stall when we entered the city.

"Since we are in the city, shall we look at a weapon shop? There might be weapons and armor suitable for the Hero."

"True. Your sword is already in tatters... your Hero skills are just too powerful."

Just as they said, the sword I was using was one I’d picked up from a knight, and its blade was already falling apart. It couldn't withstand the holy power I’d imbued it with.

"You’re right. Cecilia, would you mind picking one out for me?"

"Hehe. I am honored by your expectation."

Led by Cecilia, who gave a handsome smile, we stepped into the largest weapon shop in the city. Inside, various swords and armors were lined up.

Is this a copper sword, and that a steel one? It felt like I was inside a game like Dragon Quest, and it was fun.

"How about this one? It’s a bit unreliable for the Hero, but it’s better than what you have now."

Cecilia skillfully picked up a beautifully shining steel sword and gave it a test swing. She looked both cool and beautiful.

"I’ll take that one, then... Wow, there sure are a lot of them."

"Hehe. Weapons and armor are like partners you trust your life to. Are weapons and armor not sold in the Hero’s world?"

"No... I mean, there aren't any monsters, and we don't really fight anyone."

"I see... that sounds lovely."

As we talked, I looked at armor made of scales and shields with a beautiful luster, but then my eyes were drawn to a flashy bikini armor displayed on the wall. The highly revealing armor gave off a shimmer that seemed meant to bewitch the viewer.

"This is... wow. Do bikini armors really exist?"

"Hm... Hero, are you interested in such things?"

"...Perverted Hero."

Iris looked at me with cold eyes, and Cecilia looked at me while blushing slightly. Did I just imagine that there was a hint of expectation in their eyes?

"No, I was just curious. I mean, can you really fight in armor like that?"

"H-hm... I hear some knights have such tastes... but surely you don't want me to wear it?"

"O-of course not."

My honest thought was that I’d be happy if she wore it. But I wouldn't be able to focus on the battle. Because of that conversation, I briefly imagined Cecilia in bikini armor, and while I felt a bit guilty, she seemed to be the same, as her face was bright red.

She’d look so good in bikini armor, saying something like "Gugh, just kill me!"

"You’re done shopping, right? I want to go to that shop over there. You two are coming with me."

Perhaps losing her patience at the two of us, Iris pointed to the shop across the street and shouted. It was a shop filled with various magic items, exactly the kind of place a mage would love.

"Oh, a magic shop! That sounds interesting too."

"Heh, so you’re interested in magic too."

"Of course! I’m a student of Hog○arts and the ace of Slyt○erin."

"Hog○arts? Slyt○erin... are those the names of some demons?"

In my imagination, of course...

Following a confused Iris into the magic item shop, I saw crystal balls, suspicious herbs, and strange scrolls lined up everywhere.

"What are these...?"

"This is an 'Appraisal Loupe.' It’s a low-level magic tool used to appraise things you see. Items in treasure chests in dungeons have special effects, so you use this to appraise them."

Iris’s eyes sparkled as she picked up magic items one by one. Her usual prickly attitude was gone; she was like a child.

"Does this have some kind of ability too?"

"Yes. This is a Cat-Ear Robe made from the materials of a cat monster with mana. It’s quite excellent."

"Whoa..."

A cat-eared mage, huh... that’s kind of cute. In a game I used to be into, there was a similar costume, and I was so excited when I got it. Iris is small, so it would suit her perfectly. If she wore this and added "nyan" to the end of her sentences... Just as I was thinking that, she gave me a suspicious look.

"Are you imagining something dirty right now?"

"N-no way. I just like cats."

I needed to change the subject, and luckily, something caught my eye.

"More importantly, Iris... is this..."

"This! I’ve wanted this 'Flying Broom' for a long time! It’s expensive, so I can't easily buy it, but I’m definitely going to buy it with the reward money once this adventure is over."

Nice... I want to play Quidd○tch too.

Iris picked up a broom and hugged it as if she’d found a treasure. Her face was lit up with a huge smile.

"...You really do love magic, Iris."

"Of course! The pursuit of magic is the most fun and noble thing in this world! ...You look like you want to say something. You probably think it’s childish, don't you?"

She’d been frolicking, but she seemed to have come back to her senses, and she glared at me with a bright red face.

"No, there was no magic in my world, so I’ve always admired it. Um... would you mind letting me ride on that broom with you sometime?"

"Hmph. So you’re interested too. Fine, then. Only because you’re special."

Iris puffed out her chest proudly and continued to tell me all about the products in the shop. She looked truly happy.

And after we finished shopping, we met up with Fiona and left the city. But the problem occurred that night.

After encountering monsters a few times, we finished our camp preparations and were eating a dinner handmade by Fiona around the campfire.

"Ah, eating outside like this really makes me feel like I’m in another world..."

Sitting around the fire, we ate the soup Fiona had made. Perhaps with health in mind, it was a soup with dried meat and several vegetables, and it was quite good.

"Does the Hero not camp often in his world?"

"No. Basically, even when we travel, we stay at inns. Some people do it as a hobby, called 'camping,' but..."

"Hmph. How strange, to go out of your way to camp like this. I’d much rather sleep in a soft bed."

Just as Iris said, to the inhabitants of this world, even without monsters, it must seem unusual.

"More importantly, how about some wine, everyone? It would be bad if you got drunk, but a small amount can be relaxing."

"I’ll have some. I want to get pumped up..."

Iris tried to have some wine poured for her while glancing at me for some reason.

"Huh? Is it okay for a child to drink?"

"What? I’m an adult! Where are you looking, calling me a child?!"

She glared at me, but she looked like a minor no matter how you looked at her. Well, I hadn't asked her age...

Maybe the definition of an adult in this world was different from my previous one.

"Now, now, calm down, Iris. Perhaps the definition of an adult is different in the Hero’s world? By the way, Hero, how about you? At your age, you are an adult in this world. No one will blame you for drinking."

"Ah, thanks, but I’ll pass. I don't know what I’d be like if I got drunk..."

I was a minor in my previous life, and I’d only been in this world for a short time. I wanted to be able to handle any irregular situations, so when I answered that way, Cecilia looked a bit disappointed.

"Hm. So the Hero is not fond of alcohol. How about you, Fiona?"

"...I’m sorry, I’m not very good with alcohol either. Instead, shall I make some simple snacks?"

"That would be a help. And yet, for a Saint, you are quite skilled at cooking, Fiona."

"Ah, I thought so too. You’re very quick, and this soup was delicious."

"Hehe. Thank you. I’ve done all sorts of things since a long time ago... I could become someone’s wife at any time."

Did I just imagine that Fiona looked at me meaningfully for a second while she joked?

In any case, we enjoyed our meal.

When it was time to return to our respective tents, I was reflecting on the day’s events.

Cecilia, who was older and experienced in battle, like a reliable older sister. Fiona, the kind and attentive Saint. And Iris, who was prickly but kind at heart, loved magic, and was easy to talk to.

"I wondered what would happen when I came to this world, but I think I can make it... and it’s nice that everyone is a beautiful girl..."

I was a man, too. It was only natural to think about such things. But I wouldn't be led around by my desires like my brother...

"Reaching the Demon Lord’s Castle is the goal, but it would be nice if I could find someone precious to me... Maybe I could even fall in love with everyone in the party... No, I’m getting too carried away."

As I was looking back on the day, Fiona slipped into my tent from outside with a sweet voice.

"Hero-sama, please let me offer a prayer to heal the day’s fatigue ♡"

"Fiona?! What are you... and why are you dressed like that?"

For some reason, she’d come in wearing a thin nightgown instead of her usual clothes. The candlelight clearly reflected her flushed, beautiful face and the lines of her voluptuous body.

The gap between her usual calm and pure appearance was so great that I reflexively swallowed. You can't be a Saint with boobs like those.

"Um... it’s my favorite nightgown. Does it not suit me?"

"No, that’s not what I meant... I mean, what do you mean by a 'prayer'?"

Was this common sense in this world...?

Before I could answer, she took my hand in her soft, beautiful ones and smiled. And just as I thought she’d moved behind me, she leaned in as if she were hugging me.

"A Saint’s prayer has the effect of relaxing the mind and body. Now, please lie down and relax."

"Wait, is that what a prayer is like?"

Wait, wait, this is bad! This is going to make me feel 'excited'!

Wrapped in the sensation of two incredibly soft and warm mounds being pressed against me through the thin fabric and a breathy voice whispering in my ear, I was made to lie down.

"Hehe. It seems you like it. Now, here I go. Mnh ♡"

As I lay there, she massaged my shoulders, waist, and buttocks. My body’s tension eased, and her sweet scent assaulted me.

"Hero-sama... how do you feel?"

As she lay on top of me and pressed her chest against me, Fiona whispered in my ear while her soft hands massaged mine. Just touching a girl’s body makes you so happy. That was what I thought... but that was all. I felt a moment of 'excitement,' but my skill nullified it. To be honest, I thought it was a waste, but it couldn't be helped.

"Thanks, I feel a lot better. But it’s early tomorrow, so I think you should head back to your tent."

I gave her my genuine thanks and gently moved away from her. Perhaps thanks to Fiona’s holy power, my shoulder stiffness was gone, and I felt less fatigued.

"Wait... that’s all?"

"What do you mean, 'that’s all'?"

"N-no... it’s nothing."

For some reason, she looked surprised at my words, and after she looked at my lower body with a complicated expression, she went back.

Watching her leave, I was sweating bullets internally.

That was close...! If I hadn't had <Charm Resistance: Perfect Rejection>, I might have committed the terrible crime of laying a hand on the Saint just now.

Even though she was probably just trying to heal my fatigue…

"Hero, let us have a nightly sparring session."

Just as I thought Fiona had returned to her tent, Cecilia opened the entrance to mine.

She gave a challenging smile and pointed outside. The timing was good since I’d recovered from my fatigue thanks to Fiona, but I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw her.

She wasn't wearing the sturdy full-body armor from earlier; she was wearing light armor that was almost like a bikini, with very little coverage. Her well-toned brown skin and the valley between her ample breasts were on full display.

Yes, it was bikini armor. Was I dreaming?

"I’d love to, but what is that outfit? Do you have that kind of hobby...?"

"N-no! This is special armor for training. It makes it easier to see the body’s movements, right?"

As she said that, she blushed for some reason, but she smiled and puffed out her chest. Her ample chest swayed as if it were screaming from being so cramped.

Training in such erotic gear... what kind of perverted knight order is that? This is like the world of an adult manga.

I wanted to say that, but Cecilia was being serious. It would be rude to make a strange comment.

"To be honest, I don't know the basics at all, so that would be a help. Let’s go."

"Huh? Ah, right... damn it. I’m wearing such an embarrassing outfit, and yet he’s completely unfazed?"

She followed me while muttering something, and we did some practice swings and a mock battle. Every time she swung her sword, her chest swayed, and normally I would have been turned on, but my skill worked perfectly here as well.

That was close... if I’d had an erection while practicing my swings, she’d have been disgusted. I’m grateful for the skill.

But during the training, she muttered, "I guess someone like me..." and looked depressed, and after that, the training became incredibly Spartan. Every time I exchanged blows with her, her chest swayed, but I didn't even have time to worry about that. Her outfit was strange, but her teaching was thorough, and I think I started to understand how to move my body.

"Why are you in my tent, Iris...?"

"It’s cold tonight... I’m just sleeping by your side so that you, the Hero, won't get sick! It’s not like I have a choice!"

And waiting for me when I returned was Iris, curled up in a blanket inside my tent.

"H-hurry up and get in. You’ll catch a cold."

"Wait, but... whoa!"

And the next moment, I was forcibly pulled into the blanket.

The zero-distance body heat of a girl and her sweet scent. The way she curled up her small body and snuggled into my arm was practically a foul. Two people, a beautiful girl, and a single blanket in a tent—it was a situation straight out of an erotic game. I felt like I was going crazy from her modest but present chest and her breathy whispers in my ear.

But the <Charm Resistance: Perfect Rejection> skill kept me calm.

"I see. A mage’s body is their livelihood, so it would be bad if you caught a cold. If you’re cold, Iris, you can use me as a body pillow."

Fiona, Cecilia, and now Iris—I felt like they were being too overprotective of the Hero. As for Iris, sleeping in the same blanket...

Maybe she didn't know how scary men could be. With the heart of a father, I gently draped my cloak over her.

"Wait, why... why are you being so kind to me?"

"Because we’re companions. By the way... you were cold to me at first, Iris. Why was that? Did I do something?"

"Wait, you mean at the castle? That was..."

Iris’s face turned bright red, and she mumbled something.

"What was it?"

"Because this is a problem for our world, right? I thought it was wrong to push everything onto you, an inhabitant of another world. Is that bad?"

Since my ear was close to her, I was surprised by her sudden loud voice, but the reason was very kind... and it made me happy.

"Thanks. You’re very kind, Iris. But it’s okay. Let me save everyone."

"Wait... ah... mnh... I’m going to sleep now!!"

Iris looked like she wanted to say something, opening and closing her mouth, but eventually, her face turned bright red from the warmth, and she fell asleep in my arms.

"But seriously, what is it...? Aren't they all a bit too defenseless?"

As I listened to Iris’s breathing, I looked up at the sky alone.

Fiona, who’d eased my fatigue by 'praying' in a revealing outfit; Cecilia, who’d invited me to train in bikini armor; and Iris, who was curled up in a blanket with me because it was cold.

If I hadn't had <Charm Resistance: Perfect Rejection>, I don't know what would have happened to me. They might have just been trying to support me as the Hero, but I’m glad nothing erotic happened.

We’d only just formed the party, and if I laid a hand on them, the party would collapse, and at worst, a hell like my brother’s would be waiting for me.

"I just want to save this world... and find someone I truly love on this journey and make them happy. That’s all."

I decided once again to stay strong.

★★★

Meanwhile, inside their respective tents, the three maidens were spending the night in three very different ways.

Inside her tent, Fiona was muttering to herself under her breath.

"I can't believe it. I approached him looking like that, practically throwing myself at him, and he acted like he couldn't care less... It's impossible."

As she grumbled, she clutched at the chest of her thin nightgown. Through the silk fabric, she felt the softness of the voluptuous breasts she took such pride in. Though she had no actual experience with men, she was well aware of her own charms from the way men looked at her while she performed her duties as a Saint. And yet...

"...Was pressing them against his back not enough? Does he expect me to be... even more bold? Ugh, honestly! Why do I have to be the one agonizing over this?!"

Fiona’s face twisted in sheer frustration.

Elsewhere, Cecilia was huddled under a blanket in the corner of her tent, lamenting her fate.

Beside her lay an open book she’d smuggled out of the Kingdom of Knights, bearing the scandalous title: True Records: Night Warfare Tactics for Beauties Who Topple Nations.

"...This is strange. My favorite manual clearly states that 'boldly exposing one's skin shall leave any man head-over-heels'... and yet..."

She looked down at her own body. Her well-honed abdominal muscles, her lean, firm limbs. And her ample chest, which even that embarrassing bikini armor couldn't quite hide. To be honest, it had been mortifying. Obviously, no knight actually trained in bikini armor. If they did, they’d be nothing more than a common exhibitionist.

"Is it possible my physique is too well-trained? Is it unattractive for a knight to possess such strength? Should I have been more... soft, like Lady Fiona...?"

The muscles exhausted from the night's training now seemed to throb with a sense of futility. She hadn't been able to pull off the advanced techniques mentioned in the book—like 'sultry sighs' or 'moist, upturned glances'—but she felt she’d given it her all.

"...'Tis a humiliation. Not as a knight... but as a woman, I have suffered an utter defeat at that man’s hands. However, I have read hundreds of these manuals. He should not underestimate my resolve."

She squeezed her fists tight. The impulse to rip the guide to shreds battled fiercely with the desire to bet everything on the "last-ditch strategy" written on the next page.

And then there was Iris... Once she’d confirmed that Kamiya was asleep, she buried her face in her sleeping bag and started kicking her legs frantically.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid! You dense moron!! How can you not know what it means when a girl comes into your tent?!"

Her silent vitriol echoed muffled within the sleeping bag. She’d plucked up every ounce of her courage to crawl into a man’s bed for the first time in her life, and all she got in return was a gentle, paternal pat and a cloak.

"...It’s so warm..."

To her annoyance, the cloak he’d draped over her smelled like him—a scent like a warm patch of sunlight. As she clutched it tight, she could feel her heart hammering so loud it was noisy.

"W-why is my heart racing?! To be treated like a... like a child! It’s humiliating! It’s so humiliating, and yet...!"

Her face felt like it was on fire. It was because of her anger. It had to be. There was no way she was actually fluttering because of his clumsy kindness.

"...Just you wait. Next time, I’m going to make you see me as a woman, not just some brat...!"

The face she made as she hardened her resolve wasn't that of a tsundere mage, but simply that of a girl in love.